Use these questions or activities to help gauge students’ familiarity with and spark their interest in the context of the work, giving them an entry point into the text itself.

Short Answer

Why might imagination and daydreaming be important skills to develop? Does imagination play an important role in fact-based fields like science?  

Teaching Suggestion: Jackson loves science and facts. His determination to uncover factual evidence causes him to dismiss magic, imagination, and dreaming as irrelevant. This becomes problematic when Jackson’s imaginary friend appears and forces Jackson to grapple with the reality of his existence. Consider analyzing imagination and the importance of imagination in science and play. Use the links to further student discussion.

• This 4-minute video explains the importance of daydreaming and imagination.
• This 2-minute video describes the role of imagination and original thinking in Einstein’s approach to science.

Short Activity

Oftentimes children and even adults develop habits or collect items to draw comfort from in times of distress. These items are sometimes called “security blankets” or “comfort objects.” Think about objects or activities that bring you comfort after a difficult day. Use these questions to support your thinking:

• What objects (blankets, toys, etc.) did you use frequently as a child to draw comfort from?
• What clothing items might you wear if you are anxious about a social encounter?
• What are your habits or things you do for fun after a hard day at school?
• What other ways might adults or children draw comfort from their surroundings?